Kenneth LeRoy Johnson – Ken Johnson, a long-time Hoquiam resident died at home on Oct. 25, 2016 following a brief illness. He was born on Oct. 12, 1933 at Hoquiam General Hospital in Hoquiam, Wash. to Henry Kenneth Johnson and Thelma Juanita Burks. As the child of a logger and Union Organizer, Ken lived in a variety of Grays Harbor locations including North River, Copalis Crossing, Hoquiam’s north end, and eventually settling into south Aberdeen after his parents’ divorce. Proud to be considered a South Side Kid, Ken remained close throughout his lifetime with his buddies from there, forming a group known as “The Derelicts”. The Derelicts grew up to all become successful professionals in a wide range of careers, and continued to gather several times a year – even creating a webpage on their Aberdeen Weatherwax Class of 1951 website.
Ken served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. Following his discharge from service, he used the G.I. Bill to attend college. During that time, Ken married Marlene Helen Durney in 1958. They lived in Seattle, Wash. while he finished his education; graduating from the University of Washington. He went to work as an Underwriter for the Continental Casualty Company. They moved to Hoquiam, Wash. in 1964 and Ken joined Durney Insurance and Travel. He was an active member of the community through his involvement with the Lion’s Club, Elks Club, and the Hoquiam Logger’s Playday Committee. He has served as President, Exalted Ruler, and Chairman of each of those organizations. He also belonged to the Masons, Shriners, and VFW. Ken served 12 years on the Grays Harbor Community Hospital Board and was Board Chairman during its acquisition of St. Joseph’s Hospital. He served on a multitude of Boards and Committees – ranging from the City of Hoquiam’s Cemetery and Parks Boards to the Private Industry Council. One of his most satisfying activities involved leading the Hoquiam School District’s M&O Levy campaigns for more than 20 years – with a 100% success rate. The Grizzly Alumni Association recognized his accomplishments for the school district by naming him to the Grizzly Alumni Hall of Fame. This award truly tickled him as went through school as an Aberdeen Bobcat. Ken’s contributions to the community were also recognized when he was named The Daily World’s Citizen of the Year in 2005, and again a few years later by the Hoquiam Business Association. He was also a past recipient of the “Boss of the Year” award given by the Grays Harbor Association of Insurance Women.
Ken loved to golf and travel. He combined those passions by making more than 130 golf trips to Hawaii during his lifetime. He was an original Seahawks season seat holder beginning in 1976 and attended every home game with his family for several years. He religiously followed the UW Huskies and was a Lifetime Alumni Association Member as well as a Tyee seat holder for many seasons – often combining both Huskies and ‘Hawks in the same weekend. He also loved spending time at the family cabin at Lake Quinault, where for many years he hosted an Opening Day fishing tournament.
Of all the accomplishments, board appointments, service clubs, committees, and other volunteerism he has given his time and efforts for, not once did he miss attending a school or sporting event, band performance or anything his kids were participating in. He demonstrated throughout his life the importance of balancing work, community service and family. That is the legacy his family cherishes most.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bob Durney, and is survived by his wife, Marlene of the family home; his sister Kay (Denny) Rowley of Puyallup, Wash.; his children Linda (Patrick) Brown of Asheboro, N.C., and Robert (Kris) Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. He is also survived by his grandchildren Raymond Spaulding, Alec Johnson, Tara Johnson, and Makenzie Brown. Also surviving him are his brother-in-law Jack (Sue Ann) Durney of Hoquiam, and 11 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Strong Kids Campaign at the Grays Harbor YMCA or to Harbors Home Health and Hospice.
A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at Immanuel Baptist Church; followed by a wake at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts by signing the on-line register at www.colemamortuary.net.
